wss  -.  i 


jr  4t 


DIVINE    SONGS 


CHILDBED 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE 
BAPTIST  GENERAL  TRACT  SOCIETY 

NO.     36,    NORTH    FIFTH    STREET, 

PHILADELPHIA. 


THE  WORD  OF  GOD. 


"Harriet,*'  said  Mr.  Richards,  "  will  you  step  up 
stairs,  and  tell  your  mamma  that  breakfast  is  ready?" 
Harriet  was  about  two  years  and  a  half  old.  She  was 
generally  a  pleasant  and  dutiful  child,  but  sometimes 
wanted  to  have  her  own  way.  She  did  not  at  this 
time  obey  her  father,  for  the  weather  was  cold,  and  it 
was  rather  unpleasant  going  into  the  entry  and  cham- 
ber where  there  was  no  fire.  So  she  stood  still  and 
hung  down  her  head.  Her  father  repeated  the  com- 
mand, but  still  she  did  not  go. — Her  lips  began  to 
pout,  and  she  looked  quite  sullen.  "  My  daughter," 
said  Mr.  Richards,  "  do  you  not  love  your  papa  ?" 
"Yes  sir,"  said  Harriet  in  a  very  low  and  trending 
voice.  u  Then,"  said  her  father,  "  should  you  not  love 
to  obey  him?"  Harriet  did  not  answer,  but  her  lip 
quivered,  and  she  seemed  to  be  almost  sorry  that  she 
could  not  obey  so  kind  a  father;  yet  her  stubborn  heart 
said,  I  can't  do  it  now.  Mr.  R.  looked  firmly  and 
kindly  at  her  for  some  time  without  speaking.  At 
last  he  said,  "  Harriet,  look  at  your  papa."  The  little 
girl  was  very  unwilling  to  lift  up  her  eyes  from  the 
floor,  but  she  did  not  dare  to  refuse.  So  she  looked 
at  her  father's  eye.  "  Now,  my  daughter,"  said  Mr. 
R.  u  tell  me  what  God  says  to  children/'  She  instantly 
replied,  repeating  that  verse  in  one  of  the  Epistles  of 
Paul,  "Children,  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord,  for 
that  is  right."  Before  she  had  said  half  the  words  she 
was  looking  towards  the  door;  and  as  soon  asshe  had 
finished  she  ran  off  to  obey  her  father,  and  called  her 
mother  to  breakfast. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Champney,  one  of  Mr.  Richards' 
brethren  in  the  ministry,  was  present  during  this 
scene,  and  attended  to  all  that  passed  with  deep  in- 
terest. When  he  saw  the  obstinacy  of  Harriet  over- 
come in  this,  manner,  he  expressed  his  sui  prise,  and 
inquired  low  Mr.  R.  accounted  for  it.  "It  was," 
said  Mr.  R.  "  the  word  of  God  that  subdued  her  stub- 
born will,  and  it  is  often  so.  I  have  accustomed  her 
to  consider   that  tny  word  must  be  obeyed,  and    it  is 

4  j  [Continued  on  the  3d  pa^e. 


N<?  41 

OF   THE   SERIES  OP  TRACTS    ISSUED   BY   THE 

DIVINE   SONGS 

FOR  CHXXLDRESr. 


BY  ISAAC  WATTS,  D.  D. 

SONG   I. 
A  general  Song  of  Praise  to  God. 
How  glorious  is  our  heavenly  King, 

Who  reigns  ahove  the  sky ! 
How  shall  a  child  presume  to  sing 

His  awful  Majesty  ? 
How  great  his  power  is,  none  can  tell, 

Nor  think  how  large  his  grace ; 
Not  men  below,  nor  saints  who  dwell, 

On  high,  before  his  face. 
Not  angels,  who  stand  round  the  Lord, 

Can  search  his  secret  will ; 
But  they  perform  his  heavenly  word, 

And  sing  his  praises  still. 
Then  let  me  join  this  holy  train, 

And  my  first  offerings  bring ; 
Th'  eternal  God  will  not  disdain 

To  hear  an  infant  sing. 
My  heart  resolves,  my  tongue  obeys, 

And  angels  will  rejoice 
To  hear  their  mighty  Maker's  praise 

Sound  from  a  feeble  voice. 

SONG   II. 
Praise  for  Creation  and  Providence. 
I  sing  th'  almighty  power  of  God, 

Which  made  the  mountains  rise ; 
Which  spread  the  flowing  seas  abroad, 
And  built  the  lofty  skies. 
No.  41. 


I  sing  the  wisdom  which  ordain'd 

The  sun  to  rule  by  day ; 
The  moon  shines  full  at  his  command 

And  all  the  stars  obey. 

I  sing  the  goodness  of  the  Lord, 
Who  filled  the  earth  with  food ; 

He  formed  the  creatures  by  his  word, 
And  then  pronounced  them  good. 

Lord,  how  thy  wonders  are  displayed 

Where'er  I  turn  my  eye ! 
If  I  survey  the  ground  I  tread, 

Or  gaze  upon  the  sky ! 

There's  not  a  plant  nor  flower  below, 
But  makes  thy  glories  known ; 

And  clouds  arise,  and  tempests  blow, 
By  order  from  thy  throne. 

Creatures  (as  num'rous  as  they  be) 

Are  subject  to  thy  care ; 
There's  not  a  place  where  we  can  flee, 

But  God  is  present  there. 

In  heaven  he  shines  with  beams  of  love, 
With  wrath  in  hell  beneath ; 

'Tis  on  his  earth  I  stand  or  move, 
And  'tis  his  air  I  breathe. 

His  hand  is  my  perpetual  guard, 

He  keeps  me  with  his  eye ; 
Why  do  I  then  forget  the  Lord, 

Who  is  for  ever  nigh  ? 


SONG   III. 
Praise  to  God  for  our  Redemption  by  Jems  Christ 

Biest  be  the  goodness  and  the  power. 

The  wisdom  and  the  grace, 
Which  joined  in  counsel  to  restore, 

And  save  a  ruined  race. 

Our  father  ate  forbidden  fruit, 

And  from  his  glory  fell ; 
And  we,  his  children,  thus  were  brought 
To  death,  and  near  to  hell. 
No.  41. 


Blest  be  the  Lord,  who  sent  his  Son, 

His  mercy  to  display ; 
To  make  his  glorious  Gospel  known, 

And  point  to  heaven  the  way. 

Freely  he  died  for  us,  that  we 
Might  live  in  bliss  above  ; 

And  there  enjoy,  eternally, 
The  blessings  of  his  love. 

Behold  him  rising  from  the  grave, 
Behold  him  raised  on  high; 

He  pleads  his  merits  there,  to  save 
Transgressors  doomed  to  die. 

There  on  a  glorious  throne  he  reigns, 

And  by  his  power  divine, 
Redeems  us  from  the  slavish  chains 

Of  Satan  and  of  sin. 
Thence  Jesus  will  to  judgment  come, 

And  with  a  sovereign  voice 
Will  call,  and  break  up  every  tomb, 

While  waking  saints  rejoice. 

O  may  I  then  with  joy  appear 

Before  the  Judge's  face ; 
And  with  the  blest  assembly  there 

Sing  God's  redeeming  grace  ! 

SONG   IV. 

Praise  for  Mercies  Spiritual  and  Temporal* 

Whene'er  I  take  my  walks  abroad, 

Hew  many  poor  I  see ! 
What  shall  I  render  to  my  God 

For  all  his  gifts  to  me  ? 

Not  more  than  others  I  deserve, 
Yet  God  has  given  me  more ; 

For  I  have  food,  while  others  starve, 
Or  beg  from  door  to  door. 

How  many  children  in  the  street 

Half  naked  I  behold ! 
While  I  am  clothed  from  head  to  feet, 

And  covered  from  the  cold. 
No.  41. 


While  some  poor  creatures  scarce  can  tell 
Where  they  may  lay  their  head ; 

I  have  a  home,  wherein  to  dwell, 
And  rest  upon  my  bed. 

While  others  early  learn  to  swear, 

And  curse,  and  lie,  and  steal, 
Lgrd,  I  am  taught  thy  name  to  fear, 

And  do  thy  holy  will. 

Are  these  thy  favours,  day  by  day, 

To  me  above  the  rest  ? 
Then  let  me  love  thee  more  than  they, 

And  try  to  serve  thee  best. 

song  v. 
Praise  for  Birth  and  Education  in  a  Christian  Land 

Great  God,  to  thee  my  voice  I  raise, 
To  thee  my  youngest  hours  belong; 

I  would  begin  my  life  with  praise, 
Till  growing  years  improve  the  song. 

'Tis  to  thy  sovereign  grace  I  owe 

That  I  was  born  on  Christian  ground ; 

Where  streams  of  heavenly  mercy  flow, 
And  words  of  sweet  salvation  sound. 

I  would  not  change  my  native  land 
For  rich  Peru,  with  all  her  gold ; 

A  nobler  prize  lies  in  my  hand 

Than  East  or  Western  Indies  hold. 

How  do  I  pity  those  who  dwell 

Where  ignorance  with  darkness  reigns ; 

They  know  no  heaven,  they  fear  no  hell, 
Those  endless  joys,  those  lasting  pains. 

Thy  glorious  promises,  0  Lord, 
Kindle  my  hope  and  my  desire ; 

While  all  the  preachers  of  thy  word 
Teach  me  thy  goodness  to  admire. 

Thy  praise  shall  still  employ  ray  breath, 
Since  thou  hast  marked  my  way  to  heaven ; 

Nor  will  I  run  the  road  to  death, 

And  waste  the  blessings  thou  hast  given. 
No.  41. 


SONG  VI. 

Praise  for  the  Gospel, 

Lord,  I  ascribe  it  to  thy  grace, 

And  not  to  chance,  as  others  do, 
That  I  was  born  of  Christian  race, 

And  not  a  heathen,  or  a  Jew. 

What  would  the  ancient  Jewish  kings 
And  Jewish  prophets  once  have  given, 

Gould  they  have  heard  those  glorious  things 
Which  Christ  revealed  and  brought  from  heaven 

How  glad  the  heathen  would  have  been, 
Who  worshipped  idols,  wood  and  stone, 

If  they  the  book  of  God  had  seen. 
Or  Jesus  and  his  Gospel  known ! 

Then,  if  this  Gospel  I  refuse, 

How  shall  I  e'er  lift  up  my  eyes  ? 
For  all  the  Gentiles  and  the  Jews 

Against  me  will  in  judgment  rise. 


SONG    VII. 
The  Excellency  of  the  Bible. 

Great  God,  with  wonder  and  with  praise 

On  all  thy  works  I  look ; 
But  still  thy  wisdom,  power,  and  grace, 

Shine  brightest  in  thy  book. 

The  stars,  which  in  their  courses  roll, 
Have  much  instruction  given  ; 

But  thy  good  word  informs  my  soul 
How  I  may  climb  to  heaven. 

The  fields  provide  me  food,  and  show 
The  goodness  of  the  Lord ; 

But  fruits  of  life  and  glory  grow- 
In  thy  most  holy  word. 

Here  are  my  choicest  treasures  hid, 

Here  my  best  comfort  lies, 
Here  my  desires  are  satisfied, 

And  hence  my  hopes  arise. 
No.  41. 


Lord,  make  me  understand  thy  law ; 

Show  what  my  faults  have  been ; 
And  from  the  Gospel  let  me  draw 

Pardon  for  all  my  sin. 

tlere  would  I  learn  how  Christ  has  died, 
To  save  my  soul  from  hell ; 

Not  all  the  books  on  earth  beside 
Such  heavenly  wonders  tell. 

Then  let  me  love  my  Bible  more, 

And  take  a  fresh  delight 
By  day  to  read  these  wonders  o'er, 

And  meditate  by  night. 

SONG    VIII. 
Praise  to  God  for  Learning  to  Read. 

The  praises  of  my  tongue 

I  offer  to  the  Lord, 
That  I  was  taught  and  learnt  so  young 

To  read  his  holy  word. 

That  I  was  brought  to  know 

The  danger  I  was  in ; 
By  nature  and  by  practice  too, 

A  wretched  slave  to  sin. 

That  I  am  led  to  see 

I  can  do  nothing  well ; 
And  whither  shall  a  sinner  flee, 

To  save  himself  from  hell  ? 

Great  God,  this  book  of  thine 

Informs  me  where  to  go 
For  grace,  to  pardon  all  my  sin, 

And  make  me  holy  too. 

Here  I  can  read  and  learn, 
How  Christ  the  Son  of  God 

Proclaimed  the  covenant  of  thy  grace, 
And  sealed  it  with  his  blood. 

The  Lord,  who  reigns  above, 
Hath  sent  his  Spirit  down, 
To  show  the  wonders  of  his  love, 
And  make  his  Gospel  known. 
No.  41. 


0  may  that  Spirit  teach, 

And  make  my  heart  receive,    ♦ 

Those  truths  which  all  thy  servants  preach, 
And  all  thy  saints  believe. 

Then  shall  I  praise  the  Lord, 

In  a  more  cheerful  strain, 
That  I  was  taught  to  read  his  word, 

And  have  not  learnt  in  vain. 


SONG   IX. 
The  All-seeing  God. 

Almighty  God,  thy  piercing  eye 
Strikes  through  the  shades  of  night, 

And  our  most  secret  actions  lie 
All  open  to  thy  sight 

There's  not  a  sin  which  we  commit, 

Nor  wicked  word  we  say, 
But  in  thy  awful  book  'tis  writ, 

Against  the  judgment  day, 

And  must  the  crimes  which  we  have  done 
Be  read  and  published  there ; 

Be  all  exposed  before  the  sun, 
While  men  and  angels  hear ' 

Lord,  at  thy  feet  ashamed  I  lie ; 

Upward  I  dare  not  look ; 
Pardon  my  sins  before  I  die, 

And  blot  them  from  thy  book. 

Remember  all  the  dying  pains 

Which  my  Redeemer  felt ; 
And  let  his  blood  wash  out  my  stains, 

And  answer  for  my  guilt 

O  may  I  now  for  ever  fear 

T'  indulge  a  sinful  thought ; 
Since  the  great  God  can  see  and  hear, 

And  punish  every  fault. 
No.  41. 


8 

SONG   X. 
Solemn  Thoughts  of  God  and  Death. 

There  is  a  God,  who  reigns  above, 

Lord  of  the  heavens,  and  earth,  and  seas , 

I  fear  his  wrath,  I  ask  his  love, 
And  with  my  lips  I  sing  his  praise. 

There  is  a  law  which  he  has  writ, 
To  teach  us  all  what  we  must  do ; 

My  soul,  to  his  commands  submit, 
For  they  are  holy,  just,  and  true* 

There  is  a  Gospel  of  rich  grace, 

Whence  sinners  all  their  comforts  draw ; 
Lord,  I  repent,  and  seek  thy  face, 

For  I  have  often  broke  thy  law. 

There  is  an  hour  when  I  must  die, 
Nor  do  I  know  how  soon  'twill  come ; 

A  thousand  children,  young  as  I, 

Are  called  by  death  to  hear  their  doom. 

Let  me  improve  the  hours  I  have, 
Before  the  day  of  grace  is  fled ; 

There's  no  repentance  in  the  grave, 
Nor  pardon  offered  to  the  dead. 

Just  as  a  tree,  cut  down,  which  fell 
Northward  or  southward,  there  it  lies ; 

So  man  departs  to  heaven  or  hell, 
Fixed  in  the  state  wherein  he  dies. 


SONG    XI. 
Heaven  and  Hell. 

There  is  beyond  the  sky 
A  heaven  of  joy  and  love  ; 

And  all  good  children,  when  they  die, 
Go  to  that  world  above. 

There  is  a  dreadful  hell, 

And  everlasting  pains, 
Where  sinners  must  with  devils  dwell, 

In  darkness,  fire,  and  chains. 
No.  41. 


Can  such  a  wretch  as  I 
Escape  this  dreadful  end  ? 

And  may  I  hope,  whene'er  I  die, 
I  shall  to  heaven  ascend  ? 

Then  will  I  read  and  pray, 
While  I  have  life  and  breath ; 

Lest  I  should  be  cut  off  to-day, 
And  sent  t'  eternal  death. 


SONG   XII. 
The  Advantages  of  Early  Religion, 

Happf  the  child  whose  early  years 

Receive  instruction  well ; 
Who  hates  the  sinner's  path,  and  fears 

The  road  which  leads  to  hell. 

When  we  devote  our  youth  to  God, 

'Tis  pleasing  in  his  eyes ; 
A  flower,  when  offered  in  the  bud, 

Is  no  vain  sacrifice. 

'Tis  easier  work,  if  we  begin 
To  serve  the  Lord  betimes ; 

While  sinners  who  grow  old  in  sin 
Are  hardened  in  their  crimes. 

'Twill  save  us  from  a  thousand  snares, 

To  mind  religion  young ; 
Grace  will  preserve  our  following  years, 

And  make  our  virtue  strong. 

To  thee,  Almighty  God,  to  thee 

Our  childhood  we  resign ; 
'Twill  please  us  to  look  back  and  see 

That  all  our  lives  were  thine. 

Let  the  sweet  work  of  prayer  and  praise 

Employ  my  youngest  breath ; 
Thus  I'm  prepared  for  longer  days, 
Or  fit  for  early  death. 
No.  41. 


10 

SONG    Xlff. 
The  Danger  of  Delay. 

Why  should  I  say,  "  'Tis  yet  too  soon 
To  seek  for  heaven,  or  think  of  death  ?" 

A  flower  may  fade  before  'tis  noon, 
And  I  this  day  may  lose  my  breath., 

If  this  rebellious  heart  of  mine 

Despise  the  gracious  calls  of  Heaven, 

I  may  be  hardened  in  my  sin, 

And  never  have  repentance  given. 

What  if  the  Lord  grow  wroth,  and  swear, 
While  I  refuse  to  read  and  pray, 

That  he'll  lefuse  to  lend  an  ear 
To  all  my  groans  another  day ! 

What  if  his  dreadful  anger  burn, 
While  I  refuse  his  offered  grace; 

And  all  his  love  to  fury  turn, 

And  strike  me  dead  upon  the  place ! 

'Tis  dangerous  to  offend  a  God 

Whose  power  and  vengeance  none  can  tell; 
One  stroke  of  his  almighty  rod 

Would  send  young  sinners  quick  to  hell. 

Then  'twould  for  ever  be  in  vain 
To  cryr  for  pardon  and  for  grace ; 

To  wish  I  had  my  time  again, 
Or  hope  tc  see  my  Maker's  face. 


SONG  xiv. 
Examples  of  Early  Piety. 

What  bless'd  examples  do  I  find, 
Writ  in  the  word  of  truth, 

Of  chiidreu  who  began  to  mind 
Religion  in  their  youth  ! 

Jesus,  who  reigns  above  the  sky, 
And  keeps  the  world  in  awe, 
Was  once  a  child  as  young  as  I, 
And  kept  his  Father's  law. 
No.  41. 


11 

At  twelve  years  old  he  talked  with  men, 
(The  Jews  all  wondering  stand,) 

Yet  he  obeyed  his  mother  then, 
And  came  at  her  command. 

Children  a  sweet  hosanna  sung, 
And  blest  their  Saviour's  name ; 

They  gave  him  honour  with  their  tongue, 
While  scribes  and  priests  blaspheme. 

Samuel^  the  child,  was  weaned,  and  brought 

To  wait  upon  the  Lord ; 
Young  Timothy  betimes  was  taught 

To  know  his  holy  word. 

Then  why  do  I  so  long  delay 

What  others  learned  so  soon  ? 
Let  me  not  pass  another  day 

Without  this  work  begun. 


SONG    XV. 
Against  Lying. 

O  'tis  a  lovely  thing  for  youth 

To  walk  betimes  in  wisdom's  way, 

To  fear  a  lie,  to  speak  the  truth, 
That  we  may  trust  to  all  they  say. 

But  liars  we  can  never  trust, 

Tho'  they  should  speak  the  thing  that's  true. 
And  he  who  does  one  fault  at  first, 

And  lies  to  hide  it,  makes  it  two, 

Have  we  not  known,  nor  heard,  nor  read, 
How  God  abhors  deceit  and  wrong; 

How  Ananias  was  struck  dead, 

Caught  with  a  lie  upon  his  tongue  ? 

So  did  his  wife  Sapphira  die, 

When  she  came  in,  and  grew  so  bold, 

As  to  confirm  that  wicked  lie 

Which  just  before  her  husband  told. 

The  Lord  delights,  in  them  who  speak 
The  words  of  truth  ;  but  every  liar 

Must  have  his  portion  in  the  lake 

Which  burns  with  brimstone  and  with  fire. 
No,  41. 


12 

Then  let  me  always  watch  my  lips, 
Lest  I  be  struck  to  death  and  hell ; 

Since  God  a  book  of  reck'ning  keeps 
For  every  lie  which  children  tell. 


SONG  xvi. 
Against  Quarrelling  and  Fighting. 

Let  dogs  delight  to  bark  and  bite, 
For  God  hath  made  them  so ; 

Let  bears  and  lions  growl  and  fight, 
For^'tis  their  nature  to. 

But,  children,  you  should  never  let 

Such  angry  passions  rise ; 
Your  little  hands  were  never  made 

To  tear  each  other's  eyes. 

Let  love  through  all  your  actions  run, 
And  all  your  words  be  mild ; 

Live  like  the  blessed  Virgin's  Son, 
That  sweet  and  lovely  Child. 

His  soul  was  gentle  as  a  lamb ; 

And  as  his  stature  grew, 
He  grew  in  favour  both  with  man 

And  God,  his  Father,  too. 

Now,  Lord  of  all,  he  reigns  above, 
And  from  his  heavenly  throne 

He  sees  what  children  dwell  in  love, 
And  marks  them  for  his  own. 

song  xvii. 
Love  between  Brothers  and  Sisters 

Whatever  brawls  disturb  the  street, 
There  should  be  peace  at  home ; 

Where  sisters  dwell  and  brothers  m^et, 
Quarrels  should  never  come. 

Birds  in  their  little  nests  agree, 

And  'tis  a  shameful  sight, 
When  children  of  one  family 

Fall  out,  and  chide,  and  fight 
No.  41. 


13 

Hard  names  at  first,  and  threatening  words, 

Which  are  but  noisy  breath, 
May  grow  to  clubs,  and  naked  swords ; 

To  murder,  and  to  death. 

The  devil  tempts  one  mother's  son 

To  rage  against  another ; 
So  wicked  Cain  was  hurried  on, 

Till  he  had  killed  his  brother. 

The  wise  will  make  their  anger  cool, 

At  least  before  'tis  night ; 
But  in  the  bosom  of  a  fool 

It  burns  till  morning  light. . 

Pardon,  O  Lord,  our  childish  rage, 

Our  little  brawls  remove ; 
That,  as  we  grow  to  riper  age, 

Our  hearts  may  all  be  love. 


SONG  XVIII. 

Against  Scoffing  and  Calling  Names. 

Our  tongues  were  made  to  bless  the  Lord, 

And  not  speak  ill  of  men ; 
When  others  give  a  railing  word, 

We  must  not  rail  again. 

Cross  words  and  angry  names  require 

To  be  chastised  at  school ; 
And  he's  in  danger  of  hell  fire, 

Who  calls  his  brother,  fool. 

But  lips  which  dare  be  so  profane, 
To  mock,  and  jeer,  and  scoff 

At  holy  things,  or  holy  men, 
The  Lord  will  cut  them  off. 

When  children,  in  their  wanton  play, 

Served  old  JElisha  so, 
And  bid  the  prophet  go  his  way, 

"  Go  up,  thou  bald-heady  go  If 

God  quickly  stopped  their  wicked  breath, 

And  sent  two  raging  bears, 
Which  tore  them  limb  from  limb,,  to  death, 
With  blood,  and  groans,  and  tears. 
No.  41. 


14 

Great  God,  how  terrible  art  thou 

To  sinners,  e'er  so  young ! 
Grant  me  thy  grace,  and  teach  me  how 

To  tame  and  rule  my  tongue. 


SONG    XIX. 
Against  Swearing  and  taking  God's  Name  in  vain. 

Angels,  that  high  in  glory  dwell, 
Adore  thy  name,  Almighty  God  ; 

And  devils  tremble,  down.'ii  hell, 
Beneath  the  terrors  of  thy  rod. 

And  yet,  how  wicked  children  dare 
Abuse  thy  dreadful,  glorious  name  ! 

And,  when  they're  angry,  how  they  swear, 
And  curse  their  fellows,  and  blaspheme. 

How  will  they  stand  before  thy  face, 
Who  treated  thee  with  such  disdain ; 

While  thou  shalt  doom  them  to  the  place 
Of  everlasting  fire  and  pain  ! 

Then,  never  will  one  cooling  drop 

To  quench  their  burning  tongues  be  givenr; 

But  I  will  praise  thee  here,  and  hope 
Thus  to  employ  my  tongue  in-  heaven. 

My  heart  shall  be  in  pain  to  hear 
Wretches  affront  the  Lord  above  : 

Tis  tljat  great  God,  whose  power  I  fear, 
That  heavenly  Father,  whom  I  love. 

If  my  companions  grow  profane, 

I'll  leave  their  friendship,  when  I  hear 

Young  sinners  take  thy  name  in  vain, 
And  learn  to  curse,  and  learn  to  swear. 


song  xx. 
Against  Idleness  and  Mischief. 

How  doth  the  little  busy  bee 
Improve  each  shining  hour ; 

And  gather  honey  all  the  day 
From  every  opening  flower ! 
No.  41. 


15 


How  skilfully  she  builds  her  cell, 
How  neat  she  spreads  her  wax ; 

And  labours  hard  to  store  it  well 
With  the  sweet  food  she  makes. 

In  works  of  labour,  or  of  skill, 

I  would  be  busy  too ; 
For  Satan  finds  some^mischief  still 

For  idle  hands  to  do. 

In  books,  or  work,  or  healthful  play, 
Let  my  first  years  be  past, 

That  1  may  give,  for  every  day, 
Some  good  account  at  last. 


song  xxr. 
Against  Evil  Company. 

Why  should  I  join  with  those  in  play 

In  whom  Pve  no  delight;' 
Who  curse  and  swear,  but  never  pray ; 

Who  call  ill  names  and  fight. 

I  hate  ta  hear  a  wanton  song, 
Their  words  offend  my  ears ; 

I  should  not  dare  defile  my  tongue 
With  language  such  as  theirs. 

Away  from  fools  I'M  turn  my  eyes, 

Nor  with  the  scoffers  go  ; 
I  would  be  walking  with  the  wise, 

That  wiser  I  may  grow. 

From  one  rude  boy,  that's  used  to  mock, 

Ten  learn  the  wicked  jest ; 
One  sickly  sheep  infects  the  flock, 

And  poisons  all  the  rest. 

My  God,  I  hate- to  walk  or  dwell 

With  sinful  children  here ; 
Then  let  me  not  be  sent  to  hell, 

Where  none  but  sinners  are. 
No.  41. 


16 

SONG   XXII. 
Against  Pride  in  Clothes. 

Why  should  our  garments,  made  to  hide 
Our  parents'  shame,  provoke  our  pride  ? 
The  art  of  dress  did  not  begin 
Till  Eve,  our  mother,  learned  to  sin. 

When  first  she  put  her  covering  on, 
Her  robe  of  innocence  was  gone ; 
And  yet  her  children  vainly  boast 
In  the  sad  marks  of  glory  lost. 

How  proud  we  are  !  How  fond  to  show 
Our  clothes,  and  call  them  rich  and  new ; 
When  the  poor  sheep  and  silk-worm  wore 
That  very  clothing  long  before. 

The  tulip  and  the  butterfly 

Appear  in  gayer  coats  than  I ; 

Let  me  be  dressed  fine  as  I  will, 

Flies,  worms,  and  flowers,  exceed  me  still. 

Then  will  I  set  my  heart  to  find 
Inward  adornings  of  the  mind ; 
Knowledge  and  virtue,  truth  and  grace, 
These  are  the  robes  of  richest  dress. 

No  more  shall  worms  with  me  compare, 
This  is  the  raiment  angels  wear ; 
The  Son  of  God,  when  here  below, 
Put  on  this  best  apparel  too. 

It  never  fades,  it  ne'er  grows  old, 

Nor  fears  the  rain,  nor  moth,  nor  mould ; 

It  takes  no  spot,  but  still  refines ; 

The  more  'tis  worn,  the  more  it  shines. 

In  this  on  earth  would  I  appear, 
Then  go  to  heaven  and  wear  it  there ; 
God  will  approve  it  in  his  sight, 
'Tis  his  own  work,  and  his  delight. 
No.  41. 


17 


SONG  XXIII. 
Obedience  to  Parents. 

Let  children^  who  would  fear  the  Lord, 
Hear  what  their  teachers  say ; 

With  reverence  meet  their  parents'  word, 
And  with  delight  obey. 

Have  we  not  heard  what  dreadful  plagues 

Are  threatened  by  the  Lord 
To  him  who  breaks  his  father's  law. 

Or  mocks  his  mother's  word  ? 

What  heavy  guilt  upon  him  lies  ? 

How  cursed  is  his  name  ? 
The  ravens  shall  pick  out  his  eyes, 

And  eagles  eat  the  same. 

But  those  who  worship  God,  and  give 

Their  parents  honour  due, 
Here  on  this  earth  they  long  shall  live, 

And  live  hereafter  too. 


song  xxiv. 

A  Morning  Song. 

My  God,  who  mak'st  the  sun  to  know 

His  proper  hour  to  rise, 
And  to  give  light  to  all  below, 

Dost  send  him  round  the  skies. 

When  from  the  chambers  of  the  east 

His  morning  race  begins, 
He  never  fires  nor  stops  to  rest, 

But  round  the  world  he  shines. 

So,  like  the  sun,  would  I  fulfil 

The  business  of  the  day ; 
Begin  my  work  betimes,  and  still 

March  on  my  heavenly  way. 

Give  me,  O  Lord,  thy  early  grace, 
Nor  let  my  soul  complain, 

That  the  young  morning  of  my  days 
Has  all  been  spent  in  vain. 
No.  41. 


18 


SONG  XXV. 

An  Evening  Song. 

And  now  another  day  is  gone, 
I'll  sing  my  Maker's  praise ; 

My  comforts  every  hour  make  known 
His  providence  and  grace. 

But  how  my  childhood  runs  to  waste  1 
My  sins,  how  great  their  sum ! 

Lord,  give  me  pardon  for  the  past, 
And  strength  for  days  to  come. 

I  lay  my  body  down  to  sleep ; 

Let  angels  guard  my  head ; 
And  through  the  hours  of  darkness  keep 

Their  watch  around  my  bed. 

With  cheerful  heart  I  close  my  eyes, 
Since  thou  wilt  not  remove ; 

And  in  the  morning  let  me  rise, 
Rejoicing  in  thy  love. 


SONG  xxvi. 

For  the  Lord's  Day  Morning. 

This  is  the  day  when  Christ  arose 

So  early  from  the  dead ; 
Why  should  I  keep  my  eyelids  closed, 

Ajid  waste  my  hours  in  bed  ? 

This  is  the  day  when  Jesus  broke 
The  powers  of  death  and  hell ; 

And  shall  I  still  wear  Satan's  yoke, 
And  love  my  sins  so  well  ? 

To-day  with  pleasure  Christians  meet, 

To  pray  and  read  thy  word ; 
And  I  will  go  with  cheerful  feet 
•    To  learn  thy  will,  0  Lord. 

I'll  leave  my  sport  to  read  and  pray, 

And  so  prepare  for  heaven ; 
O  may  I  love  this  blessed  day, 
The  best  of  all  the  seven. 
No.  41. 


19 


SONG  XXVII. 

For  the  Lord's  Day  Evening 

Lord,  how  delightful  'tis  to  see 
A  whole  assembly  worship  Thee ! 
At  once  they  sing,  at  once  they  pray ; 
They  hear  of  heaven,  and  learn  the  way. 

I  have  been  there,  and  still  would  go ; 
'Tis  like  a  little  heaven  below ; 
Not  all  my  pleasures  and  my  play 
Shall  tempt  me  to  forget  this  day. 

0  write  upon  my  memory,  Lord, 
The  texts  and  doctrines  of  thy  word ; 
That  I  may  break  thy  laws  no  more, 
But  love  thee  better  than  before. 

With  thoughts  of  Christ  and  things  divine 
Fill  up  this  foolish  heart  of  mine ; 
That  hoping  pardon  through  his  blood, 

1  may  lie  down,  and  wake  with  God. 


song  XXVIII. 

The  Ant,  or  Emmet. 

These  emmets,  how  little  they  are  in  our  eyes ! 
We  tread  them  to  dust,  and  a  troop  of  them  dies, 

Without  our  regard  or  concern  : 
Yet  as  wise  as  we  are,  if  we  went  to  their  school, 
There's  many  a  sluggard,  and  many  a  fool, 

Some  lesson  of  wisdom  might  learn. 

They  wear  not  their  time  out  in  sleeping  or  play, 
But  gather  up  corn  in  a  sun-shiny  day, 

And  for  winter  they  lay  up  their  stores ; 
They  manage  their  work  in  such  regular  forms, 
One  would  think  they  foresaw  all  the  frosts  and  the  storms, 

And  so  brought  their  food  within  doors. 

But  I  have  less  sense  than  a  poor  creeping  ant, 
If  I  take  not  due  care  for  the  things  I  shall  want, 

Nor  provide  against  dangers  in  time ; 
When  death  or  old  age  shall  once  stare  in  my  face, 
What  a  wretch  shal1  I  be  in  the  end  of  my  days, 
If  I  trifle  away  all  their  prime ! 
No  41. 


20 

Now,  now  while  my  strength  and  my  youth  are  in  bloom, 
Let  me  think  what  shall  serve  me  when  sickness  shall  come, 

And  pray  that  my  sins  be  forgiven. 
Let  me  read  in  good  books,  and  believe,  and  obey, 
That  when  death  turns  me  out  of  this  cottage  of  clay, 

I  may  dwell  in  a  palace  in  heaven. 


SONG    XXIX. 
Good  Resolutions. 

Though  I'm  now  in  younger  days, 
Nor  can  tell  what  shall  befall  me, 

I'll  prepare  for  every  place 

Where  my  growing  age  shall  call  me. 

Should  I  e'er  be  rich  or  great, 

Others  shall  partake  my  goodness ; 

I'll  supply  the  poor  with  meat, 
Never  showing  scorn  or  rudeness. 

When  I  see  the  blind  or  lame, 

Deaf  or  dumb,  I'll  kindly  treat  them  : 

I  deserve  to  feel  the  same, 

If  I  mock,  or  hurt,  or  cheat, them. 

If  I  meet  with  railing  tongues, 

Why  should  I  return  them  railing  ? 

Since  I  best  revenge  my  wrongs 
By  my  patience  never  failing. 

When  I  hear  them  telling  lies, 
Talking  foolish,  cursing,  swearing, 

First  I'll  try  to  make  them  wise, 
Or  I'll  soon  go  out  of  hearing. 

What  though  I  be  low  and  mean, 
I'll  engage  the  rich  to  love  me, 

While  I'm  modest,  neat,  and  clean, 
And  submit  when  they  reprove  me, 

If  I  should  be  poor  and  sick, 
I  shall  meet,  I  hope,  with  pity ; 

Since  I  love  to  help  the  weak, 
Though  they're  neither  fair  nor  witty. 
No,  41. 


21 

I'll  not  willingly  offend, 

Nor  be  easily  offended ; 
What's  amiss  I'll  strive  to  mend, 

And  endure  what  can't  be  mended. 

May  I  be  so  watchful  still 

O'er  my  humours  and  my  passion, 
As  to  speak  and  do  no  ill, 

Though  it  should  be  all  the  fashion. 

Wicked  fashions  lead  to  hell ; 

Ne'er  may  I  be  found  complying ; 
But  in  life  behave  so  well, 

Not  to  be  afraid  of  dying. 


song  xxx. 

Cradle  Hymiu 

Hush,  my  dear,  lie  still  and  slumber, 
Holy  angels  guard  thy  bed ! 

Heavenly  blessings  without  number 
Gently  falling  on  thy  head. 

Sleep,  my  babe ;  thy  food  and  raiment, 
House  and  home,  thy  friends  provide , 

And,  without  thy  care  or  payment, 
All  thy  wants  are  well  supplied. 

How  much  better  thou  art  tended 
Than  the  Son  of  God  could  be, 

When  from  heaven  he  descended, 
And  became  a  child  like  thee ! 

Soft  and  easy  is  thy  cradle  : 

Coarse  and  hard  thy  Saviour  lay, 

When  his  birth-place  was  a  stable, 
And  his  softest  bed  was  hay. 

Blessed  babe !  what  glorious  features ; 

Spotless,  fair,  divinely  bright ! 
Must  He  dwell  with  brutal  creatures  ? 
How  could  angels  bear  the  sight  ? 
No.  41. 


22 

Was  there  nothing  but  a  manger, 

Cursed  sinners  could  afford, 
To  receive  the  heavenly  stranger  ? 

Did  they  thus  affront  the  Lord  ? 

Soft,  my  child,  I  did  not  chide  thee, 
Though  my  song  might  sound  too  hard : 

'Tis  thy  mother*  sits  beside  thee, 
And  her  arms  shall  be  thy  guard. 

Yet  to  read  the  shameful  story, 
How  the  Jews  abused  their  King, 

How  they  served  the  Lord  of  glory, 
Makes  me  angry  while  I  sing. 

See  the  kinder  shepherds  round  him, 

Telling  wonders  from  the  sky ! 
Where  they  sought  him,  there  they  found  him, 

With  his  Virgin  Mother  by. 

See  the  lovely  babe  a-dressing; 

Lovely  infant,  how  he  smiled  ! 
When  he  wept,  the  mother's  blessing 

Soothed  and  hush'd  the  holy  child. 

Lo,  he  slumbers  in  the  manger, 

Where  the  horned  oxen  fed ; 
Peace,  my  darling,  here's  no  danger, 

There's  no  ox  a-near  thy  bed. 

'Twas  to  save  thee,  child,  from  dying, 
Save  my  dear  from  burning  flame, 

Bitter  groans,  and  endless  crying, 
That  thy  blest  Redeemer  came. 

May'st  thou  live  to  know  and  fear  him, 
Trust  and  love  him  all  thy  days ; 

Then  go  dwell  for  ever  near  him, 
See  his  face,  and  sing  his  praise ! 

I  could  give  thee  thousand  kisses, 

Hoping  what  I  most  desire ; 
Not  a  mother's  fondest  wishes 

Can  to  greater  joys  aspire. 

*  If  ere  you  may  use  the  word  brother,  sister,  neighbour,  &C 
No.  41. 


23 

SONG  XXXI. 

Summer  Evening. 

How  fine  has  the  day  been !  How  bright  was  the  sun ! 
How  lovely  and  joyful  the  course  that  he  run  ! 
Though  he  rose  in  a  mist,  when  his  race  he  begun, 

And  there  followed  some  droppings  of  rain. 
But  now  the  fair  traveller's  come  to  the  west, 
His  rays  are  all  gold,  and  his  beauties  are  best ; 
He  paints  the  sky  gay,  as  he  sinks  to  his  rest, 

And  foretels  a  bright  rising  again. 

Just  such  is  the  Christian.     His  course  he  begins 
Like  the  sun  in  a  mist,  while  he  mourns  for  his  sins, 
And  melts  into  tears.     Then  he  breaks  out  and  shines, 

And  travels  his  heavenly  way. 
But  when  he  comes  nearer  to  finish  his  race, 
Like  a  fine  setting  sun,  he  looks  richer  in  grace, 
And  gives  a  sure  hope,  at  the  end  of  his  days, 

Of  rising  in  brighter  array. 


SONG   XXXII. 
The  Child's  Complaint. 

Why  should  I  love  my  sport  so  well ; 

So  constant  at  my  play ; 
And  lose  the  thoughts  of  heaven  and  hell, 

And  then  forget  to  pray  ? 

What  do  I  read  my  Bible  for, 
But,  Lord,  to  learn  thy  will  ? 

And  shall  I  daily  know  thee  more, 
And  less  obey  thee  still  ? 

How  senseless  is  my  heart,  and  wild ! 

How  vain  are  all  my  thoughts ! 
Pity  the  weakness  of  a  child, 

And  pardon  all  my  faults. 

Make  me  thy  heavenly  voice  to  hear, 

And  let  me  love  to  pray ; 
Since  God  will  lend  a  gracious  ear 

To  what  a  child  can  say. 
No.  41. 


24 


SONG   XXXIII. 

Death  and  Resurrection. 

The  winter  past,  reviving  flowers 

Anew  shall  paint  the  plain ; 
The  woods  shall  hear  the  voice  of  spring, 

And  flourish  green  again. 

Shall  man  depart  this  earthly  scene, 

Ah,  never  to  return ! 
No  second  spring  of  life  revive 

The  ashes  of  the  urn  ! 

Shall  life  revisit  dying  worms, 

And  spread  the  insect's  wing ; 
And  oh !  shall  man  awake  no  more, 

The  Saviour's  name  to  sing  ? 
Cease,  all  ye  vain  desponding  fears ; 

When  Christ  from  darkness  sprang, 
Death,  the  last  foe,  was  captive  led, 

And  heaven  with  praises  rang. 

The  trump  shall  sound ;  the  gates  of  death 
Shall  make  his  children  way ; 

From  the  cold  tomb  the  slumb'rers  spring, 
And  shine  in  endless  day. 


song  xxxiv. 
Heaven. 
High  in  yonder  realms  of  light 

Dwell  the  raptured  saints  above, 
Far  beyond  our  feeble  sight, 
Happy  in  Immanuel's  love. 

'Mid  the  chorus  of  the  skies, 

'Mid  th'  angelic  lyres  above, 
Hark,  their  songs  melodious  rise, 

Songs  of  praise  to  Jesus'  love. 

Every  tear  is  wiped  away, 

Sighs  no  more  shall  heave  the  breast ; 

Night  is  lost  in  endless  day ; 
Sorrow — in  eternal  rest ! 

O*  Tracts  may  be  obtained  at  the  Society's  Depository,  Philadel- 
phia, and  of  its  Agents  in  various  parts  of  the  United  States. 

No.  41. 


THE    WORD    OF    GOD.  3 

very  seldom  that  she  refuses.  But  when  she  does,  T 
do  not  often  resort  to  scolding,  or  whipping.  I  ne- 
ver coax  or  hire  her  to  obey;  I  very  rarely  repeat  ray 
commands,  and  threaten;  I  sometimes  reason  the  mat- 
ter with  her  tenderly,  but  I  have  always  one  resource 
that  has  not  failed  in  a  single  instance  for  many  months 
past.  I  ask  her,  or  tell  her  what  God  says,  and  she 
has  never  failed  to  yield  to  his  authority  at  once.  She 
knows  that  his  word  is  law  to  her  parents,  and  to  all 
men,  as  well  as  herself.  She  hears  it  spoken  of  with 
reverence  and  unwavering  confidence.  She  knows  and 
feels  that  it  is  reasonable  and  right,  as  far  as  she  un- 
derstands a  few  of  its  simple  truths  and  precepts. 
And,  as  yet,  it  does  not  seem  to  be  a  matter  of  inquiry 
with  her,  whether  she  may  "contemn  the  Almighty 
and  prosper." 

"You  have  there  gained  a  very  great  point,"  said 
Mr.  Champney,  "and  this  little  incident  has  opened 
to  my  mind  almost  a  new  view  of  parental  government, 
and  indeed  of  education  in  general.      O  how  little  do 
we  make  of  the  word  of  God,  though  it  is   a  well  of 
wisdom  and  a  fountain  of  life.      How  little  do  we  teach 
it  to  our  children;  and  in  the  management  of  them, 
how  often  do  we  forget  what  we  ourselves  know  of 
the  principles  of  the  Bible.      We  tell  children,  if  they 
are  good  they  will  go  to  heaven  and  be  happy,  but  if 
they  are  wicked  God  will  punish  them  in  hell    when 
they  die.      But  we  do  not  tell  them  who  God  is,    and 
what  he  says.     We  do  not  teach  them  to  do  all  things, 
as  to  the  Lord,  and  not   to  men.      We   do  not  show 
them  how  his   word  should   regulate  all  their  words 
and  thoughts,   and  his   authority  control  all  their  ac- 
tions.     And  yet  how  simple  is  the   process  when   we 
try,  and  how  easy  might  instruction  and  government 
become  on  the  principles  of  the  gospel." 

"True,"  said  Mr.  Richards,  "and  how  much  labor 
and  vexation  we  make  ourselves  by  beginning  at  the 
wrong  end.  We  endeavor  to.  establish  our  authority, 
and  govern  them  after  our  own  pleasure;  and  we  do  it 
too  often  in  a  manner  that  shows  how  little  we  our- 
selves are  governed  by  the  laws  of  God.  Whereas 
41 


28  pages."]  THE    WORD    OF    GOD. 

our  own  right  to  command  is  grounded  on  the  Bible; 
while  we  should  also  be  subject  to  *  the  Father  of  our 
spirits'  as  perfectly  as  our  children  should  be. — To  be- 
gin right,  we  should  place  both  ourselves  and  our  chil- 
dren under  the  government  of  God,  sit  together  with 
them  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and  refer  every  thing  to  the 
decision  of  his  word. — When  I  punish  my  children,  I 
tell  them  that  God  bids  me  do  it  to  prevent  their  be- 
ing wicked,  and  I  must  not  c"  ^obey  so  kind  and  good 
a  Father.     They  uniformly  feel  that  I  am  doing  right 
and  am  not  the  less  kind   to  them  than  when  I  caress 
them.     Before  I  leave  them,  after  using  the  rod,  they 
always  tell  me  they  love  their  papa^and  they  are  sorry 
they  have  offended  God  and  him  too.     But  the  use  of 
the  rod  in  my  house  has  become  an  uncommon  thing/' 
"  You  are  a  happy  father,"  said   Mr.  Champney, 
"  and  I  doubt  not  you  will  reap  the  benefit  of  this  mode 
of  proceedin   .  as         r  children  advance  in  years.    Im- 
pressions li!      tlv  our  child  has  received  this  morn- 
ing, can  never  be  obliterated.    She  will  remember  what 
God  says  on  that  point  at  least,  while   she  lives;   and 
the  practice  of  inquiring  and  thinking  of  what  he  says, 
must  have  a  most  important  influence  in  forming   her 
whole  character,  both  for  this  world  and  another.      I 
too  have  learned  a  lesson.     I  shall  go  home  and  teach 
and  govern  my  children  by  the  Bible.     I  shall  preach 
to  my  church  and  congregation  about  it.     I    shall  in- 
vite the   teachers  in  my  Sabbath  schools  to  apply  the 
simple  truths  of  the  Bible  to  their  little  pupils,  and 
teach   them  to   know  and  feel  what  God  says.     And 
when  people  do  know  and  feel  what  God  says,  they 
will  live  as  brethren;  children   will  honor  their  pa- 
rents; parents  will  train  up  their  children  for  Christ; 
God  will  turn  the  hearts  of  children  to, their  fathers, 
and  so  his  people  will  rejoice  in  him. 
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